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Parrot Impatiens

Impatiens niamniamensis

The seeds should be planted immediately for best germination

Getting started -- The Parrot Impatiens likes moist, well-draining soil that's high in organic matter.  A good mix would be 2 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite.

Fill small containers with the soil mix. Water the soil so it is uniformly moist, but not soggy. Place a seed or two in each pot, and sprinkle a thin layer of soil over it - just enough to barely cover the seeds.  Spray the top soil with a spray bottle. 

Ensure that the surface soil doesn't dry out.  A propagation dome works well for this.  The seeds need some light to germinate, such as a fluorescent bulb kept 6 inches (15 cm) away.  The ideal temperature for germination is about 65-70 degrees F (18-22°C). 

Watering -- For the first month, ensure that the original soil ball remains moist.  While this Impatiens appreciates moisture, the soil should not be perpetually soggy either.  You may use a moisture meter probe, which you can buy at garden centers for about $5.  You simply stick the probe deep into the soil and water whenever the needle is less than halfway across the dial.

If your tap water is very high in minerals ("hard" water), i recommend using rainwater or bottled water for at least the first 2 months.  Avoid using water filters that add sodium to the water, like some "ion exchange" filters. 

Light -- This Impatiens doesn't need a whole lot of direct sun - just bright light.  Shade it from prolonged exposure of strong sun. 

Climate -- The ideal temperature is between 45 and 85 degrees (7-29°C).  In warm climates, avoid placing it in areas where heat can collect, like near a sunny wall.  Protect your plant from all frost.  You may grow it indoors, provided that the air isn't too dry.  If the humidity falls below around 40%, consider using a room humidifier.

Fertilizing -- Your Impatiens has average fertilizing needs. During periods of active growth, give it an all-purpose fertilizer, following to the dosage on the label. Yellowing older leaves may mean the plant needs more fertilizer. It could also be a sign of  under-watering.

Pruning -- It's not necessary to prune your plant, although you may wish to shape it or remove excessive growth. You can remove as much or as little from a branch as you want.  As long as you leave at least 1 green "nub" below the cut, new branches will grow from there.  Removing a mature branch will encourage new growth, so don't be afraid to cut your plant back periodically.  Just avoid removing more than 20% of the branches in a week.   

Pests to watch for: aphids, mealy bugs, scale, fungus gnats.

Have fun growing it!  

Jeff

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